Orange Poppy Seed Cookies bring together the delightful zing of citrus with the nutty crunch of poppy seeds in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth treat. These cookies are not only packed with vibrant orange flavor but are also beautifully glazed, adding a hint of sweetness and shine. Perfect for a mid-afternoon snack, a holiday platter, or simply indulging in something special, they are as easy to make as they are to enjoy.
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Orange Poppy Seed Cookies
đ⨠Bright and zesty with a delicate crunchâOrange Poppy Seed Cookies are sunshine in every bite! âď¸ #OrangeDelight #CitrusBites #PoppySeedPerfection #CookieLove #ZestyTreats #BakingHappiness #HomemadeCookies #SweetCrunch #DessertGoals #GoldenBakes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
Ingredients
- For the Cookies
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp orange zest
2 tbsp poppy seeds
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg + 2 egg yolks, room temperature
1 1/2 tsp orange extract
1 drop of orange food color (optional) - For the Orange Glaze
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1â2 tbsp orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest, to sprinkle on top (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, orange zest, and poppy seeds. This step ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, giving your cookies a uniform texture and flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. The creaming process incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the cookiesâ tender crumb.
- Add the egg and egg yolks to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. This creates a rich and creamy base for the cookies.
- Mix in the orange extract and the optional orange food coloring. The food coloring adds a subtle visual cue to the citrusy flavor, giving the cookies a sunny, cheerful hue.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so mix only until there are no streaks of flour.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat. Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the baking sheet, spacing each scoop evenly.
- Bake the cookies for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges and bottoms are very lightly browned. The low baking temperature ensures the cookies remain soft and tender.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies, then sprinkle with orange zest for a finishing touch. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you donât have orange extract, you can use vanilla extract and increase the orange zest for flavor.
- Texture Boost: Add finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter substitutes to make these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Glaze Variations: For a tangier glaze, substitute lemon juice for orange juice.
- Presentation: Sprinkle poppy seeds on top of the glazed cookies for an elegant finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
The best part? Thereâs no need to chill the dough, which means you can whip these up and have them ready in no time. Whether youâre an experienced baker or a beginner, these cookies are sure to become a go-to recipe in your repertoire.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp orange zest
2 tbsp poppy seeds
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg + 2 egg yolks, room temperature
1 1/2 tsp orange extract
1 drop of orange food color (optional)
For the Orange Glaze
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1â2 tbsp orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest, to sprinkle on top (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 300°F.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, orange zest, and poppy seeds. This step ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, giving your cookies a uniform texture and flavor.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. The creaming process incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the cookiesâ tender crumb.
Add the egg and egg yolks to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. This creates a rich and creamy base for the cookies.
Mix in the orange extract and the optional orange food coloring. The food coloring adds a subtle visual cue to the citrusy flavor, giving the cookies a sunny, cheerful hue.
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so mix only until there are no streaks of flour.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat. Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the baking sheet, spacing each scoop evenly.
Bake the cookies for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges and bottoms are very lightly browned. The low baking temperature ensures the cookies remain soft and tender.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies, then sprinkle with orange zest for a finishing touch. Let the glaze set before serving.
Tips and Variations
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you donât have orange extract, you can use vanilla extract and increase the orange zest for flavor.
- Texture Boost: Add finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter substitutes to make these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Glaze Variations: For a tangier glaze, substitute lemon juice for orange juice.
- Presentation: Sprinkle poppy seeds on top of the glazed cookies for an elegant finish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cookies alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of milk for a classic comfort-food experience. For a festive touch, include them on a holiday cookie platter or wrap them in decorative bags as gifts.
Final Thoughts
These Orange Poppy Seed Cookies are a delightful combination of simplicity and sophistication. Their vibrant citrus flavor, tender crumb, and elegant glaze make them a standout choice for any occasion. Baking them fills your kitchen with a warm, zesty aroma thatâs sure to draw everyone in. Whether youâre savoring one yourself or sharing a batch with loved ones, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.